News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sisters residents' ability to stand there amazed at the glory of the Central Oregon night sky will be enhanced as a new "dark sky" ordinance takes effect in the city.
The ordinance, which Mayor Steve Wilson called "probably one of the most exciting pieces of work we've done," restricts outdoor lighting from spilling off private property.
According to the ordinance, adopted August 14, lighting must be shielded so "that a person standing at the adjacent property line would not see the emitting source." The ordinance also prohibits laser source light and searchlights (except in emergencies).
Fossil fuel lights, such as lanterns, lighting for properly displayed U.S. flags and holiday lights are exempted from the restrictions and temporary exemptions are allowed.
There is a five-year grandfather clause for outdoor fixtures installed before the ordinance was adopted.
In other business, the Sisters City Council tightened sign ordinance restrictions on the length of time temporary signs may be displayed.
Temporary signs may be displayed for one week prior to an event and taken down the day after the event. Total time a sign can be displayed is no more than 10 days.
Going-out-of-busines signs and Christmas seasonal signage is excepted.
The council also restricted the use of logos in signs to local enterprises that are part of a chain of 10 or more outlets.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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